CES Shows Vision of Tomorrow’s Driving

posted on Jan 08 2016 by Roy Shipston

With new technology playing an ever-increasing role in the motor industry, CES 2016, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is revealing the latest developments and ideas on how the cars of the future are going to look and drive.

Major motor-makers including BMW, Ford and Volkswagen are revealing their newest gadgets that will affect the way we use vehicles and the roads.

Faraday Future has shown-off a single-seat electric hypercar christened the FFZERO1, which has a modular platform that allows for the chassis to be extended and hold extra batteries. It is capable of 0-60mph in less than three seconds thanks to its four electric motors which provide 986bhp. The modular platform enables a variety of body-styles.

BMW is also boasting with its autonomous and in-car technology. Plus it is previewing what is likely to become a production i8 Spyder, with doors removed so CES-goers can witness the new functions and tech developments.

Ford knocked rumours of a link-up with Google as CEO mark Fields announced it is to boost its autonomous test fleet in a bid to achieve full autonomy asap. He showed details of its newest SYNC 3 in-car technology which it plans to link with smart home systems so you will be able to warm-up the car batteries while making your breakfast and turn on the dishwasher while you are driving home.

Toyota announced ambitious projects and major investment in the new TRI (Toyota Research Institute). It has four main aims: developing a “crash-proof” autonomous car; to improve access for people who can’t drive, such as the disabled; to boost research into home mobility, including robots, and to speed-up development of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

Perhaps most significantly for the present, Toyota repeated its plans to use technology already in its vehicles to create a real-time mapping service. The technology uses the cameras and GPS systems fitted to many of the Japanese carmakers’ models, which it says are essential for the implementations of safer automated driving, such as providing a better understanding of routes, road layouts and signs.

VW revealed a glimpse of the future with a new Budd-e microbus, a glance back at the classic VW bus, but not a production vehicle. The German manufacturer also announced a new infotainment system for the e-Golf.

Kia has shown a sub-brand called Drive Wise for its coming autonomous car tech, aimed at making motorist’s lives far less stressful. That includes such features as auto city braking and parking.

Magna International featured a semi-autonomous driving demo of a Cadillac ATS which has flexible cruise control, collision warning (“ahead” only) and stay-in-lane assist. You can also control the speed, naturally.

Magna is a major supplier to motor manufacturers including Kia and Hyundai, for parts and technology. Many vehicles rely on its all-wheel drive systems.

Swiss company Rinspeed says it is a “powerhouse of ideas” and aims for odd concepts as opposed to production vehicles. The Etos, based on the BMW i8, is its latest model and features include a drone landing pad.

One of the most novel launches at CES 2016 was from Sony, which introduced a turntable for vinyl records. The format has been experiencing a come-back for a few years – but playing LPs, EPs and 45s in your car is a bit impractical unless you travel in a stretch-limo and have a chauffeur.

If vinyl really catches on lawmakers may well introduce restrictions about using record decks while you’re driving!

The Japanese giant also revealed a 4k, ultra-high-definition camcorder and multi-format personal music players, also non-essentials for drivers.

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